Time for change - the two demolition associations in the Netherlands have come together

A major change to the organisation of the demolition sector in the Netherlands has been announced through the merger of the two professional associations that represented the industry. D&Ri reports.

Until the end of 2008, two official associations, BABEX and VS, represented the demolition industry in the Netherlands. BABEX had a long history, having been founded more than 50 years ago, while VS had been existence for just over ten years, with both associations having a similar number of members.

As a result of having worked together on a number of initiatives of concern to the Dutch demolition sector, the two associations decided to form a new single association, to be known as VERAS. This single organisation now represents the interests of the entire Dutch industry, with effect from January 2009.

With a combined membership of 80 companies across the Netherlands and the active involvement of 20 manufacturers, VERAS' main objective is to promote and protect the economic and political interests of the demolition sector as a whole, as well as providing an efficient service to its members.

Central to its objectives is the promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility within the demolition sector in the country, from which it has derived four main areas of importance that will govern its main activities.

1. VERAS will strive create a healthy market environment and a level playing field for all those active in the demolition role

2. VERAS will focus on quality, expertise and professionalism in demolition

3. VERAS will encourage its members to practice sustainable and environmentally sensitive demolition activities

4. VERAS will also concentrate on health and safety matters

In order to meet these objectives, VERAS has identified a number of specific areas that it will initially concentrate on, working with the relevant national and regional stakeholders to establish best practice.

The first of these concerns the environment and sustainable construction practices as relating to the demolition sector. According to official figures, some 25 million tonnes of C&D waste is produced in the Netherlands, with this figure expected to rise to more than 30 million tonnes by 2020.

As is typical in the European construction and demolition sectors, the industry in the Netherlands already achieves a high rate of recycling, at 95% that compares favourably with the 83% recycling rate achieved for general waste.

The Dutch government intends to put in place a mechanism to allow the monitoring of the C&D waste stream, from original construction, to demolition, recycling and eventual re-use. As a result, VERAS has been working with the Dutch Ministry of Spatial Planning, Housing and Environment to determine the main objectives and requirements to achieve this.

As a start point, it has been determined that national and uniform legislation is required, which is now being worked on. In the past, regulations covering this area were enacted by individual municipal authorities, allowing for variations from city to city. Establishing a suitable national legislative framework is due for completion by June 2010.

Occupational Heath and Safety is the second area currently occupying VERAS' attention. The aim is to establish an understanding that companies again should have a level playing field where OHS is concerned through the development of a series of OHS manuals covering specific jobsite activities that are accepted by all and enforced by the Dutch Labour Inspectorate.

The first of these concerns dust exposure for demolition workers and others in the vicinity of demolition sites. Work on this manual is due for completion by the end of 2009.

Other topics that will receive similar attention in the future will include the use of high reach demolition equipment, the effects of vibration and noise, general site safety, working at height and finally the danger of falling objects.

It is recognised that to meet the objectives of sustainability and safety during demolition works, there needs to be a an established framework of rules and regulations that should be developed by the industry and the regulatory authorities working together.

The regulatory authorities must in turn provide inspection and enforcement to ensure adherence to the established best practices, while the demolition sector in turn must also ensure adherence to these practices.

This will be achieved by VERAS ensuring that members conform to these practices, carry out demolition work according to the relevant standards and promote responsible business practices, the use of skilled, trained and certified personnel and finally encourage innovation from suppliers and recyclers.